Who doesn’t love a creamy, spicy pasta that packs a punch of flavor? This creamy Cajun pasta with herby Cajun chicken breast is the perfect combination of bold spices, creamy goodness, and tender chicken. Not only is it easy to make, but it’s also absolutely delicious and a great dish to impress your family or friends. The best part? It takes just a few simple steps and ingredients to bring this tasty meal to life! Let me take you through this mouthwatering recipe that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Method
Boil the Pasta
Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Once it’s bubbling away, add the pasta and cook it according to the package instructions. Make sure to stir it occasionally to prevent sticking. Once the pasta is cooked al dente, drain it and set it aside. Be sure not to overcook the pasta, as it should still have a slight firmness to it when you combine it with the sauce.
Prepare the Vegetables
While your pasta is cooking, grab a frying pan and heat a small amount of oil over medium heat. Add the chopped onion, pepper, and crushed garlic to the pan. Sauté the vegetables for about 3–5 minutes, or until they soften and become fragrant. Stir occasionally to ensure they don’t burn or stick to the pan. This will build a great flavor base for your creamy sauce.
Add the Creamy Ingredients
Next, it’s time to make the creamy sauce! Once the veggies are softened, pour in the chicken stock and let it simmer for a minute or two. Then, add the yoghurt and soft cheese to the pan, followed by the tomato purée. Stir everything together until the cheese and yoghurt are fully melted into the sauce, creating a smooth and creamy texture. Now, sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and chilli flakes, adjusting the spice level to your liking. Stir the sauce thoroughly until all the ingredients are combined and the sauce is thickening.
Combine the Pasta and Sauce
Once the pasta is cooked and drained, add it straight into the pan with the creamy sauce. Toss the pasta and sauce together, making sure every piece of pasta is generously coated with the creamy mixture. Keep stirring gently to ensure the sauce evenly coats the pasta and everything is well mixed. Let it simmer for a minute or two to allow the flavors to meld together and the sauce to thicken slightly.
Serve and Enjoy!
Finally, it’s time to plate up your creamy Cajun pasta! Once everything is well combined, transfer the pasta to your serving plates. You can top it with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or even a dash of Parmesan cheese for added flavor. Now, grab a fork, dig in, and enjoy this creamy, flavorful Cajun masterpiece!
Necessary Tools
- A large pot for boiling pasta
- A frying pan for cooking the vegetables and sauce
- A stirring spoon
- A knife for chopping veggies and garlic
- A measuring cup for stock and yoghurt
Creamy Cajun Pasta with Herby Cajun Chicken Breast: A Flavorful Feast!
Cuisine: ItalianDifficulty: Easy2
servings10
minutes15
minutes25
minutesIngredients
180g pasta (or 90g per person)
1 onion
1 pepper
1 crushed garlic
1 tbsp tomato purée
2 tbsp lighter soft cheese (@lovemyphilly)
30g 0% fat yoghurt
100ml chicken stock
1 tbsp Cajun seasoning
1 tbsp paprika
1 tsp chilli flakes (adjust for your spice preference )
Directions
- Boil your pasta Start by boiling a pot of water, and cook the pasta according to the package instructions.
- Prepare your veggies While the pasta is cooking, heat a little oil in a frying pan and fry the onion, pepper, and garlic for a few minutes until they’re softened.
- Add your creamy ingredients Pour in the chicken stock, yoghurt, soft cheese, and tomato purée, and give it a good stir. Sprinkle in the Cajun seasoning, paprika, and chilli flakes. Stir everything until it’s nice and creamy.
- Combine pasta and sauce Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and add it to the creamy sauce mixture. Stir everything together until the pasta is well coated in the sauce.
- Serve and enjoy! Your creamy Cajun pasta is ready to serve! Plate it up, and dig in!
Notes
- Adjust the spice level If you prefer a milder dish, reduce the amount of chilli flakes or Cajun seasoning. You can always taste test and add more if you want extra heat!
- Stir regularly The sauce can thicken up quickly, so make sure to stir it often to avoid burning or sticking to the pan.
- Don’t overcook the pasta To get that perfect texture, be sure to cook the pasta until it’s al dente firm, but tender. Overcooking will lead to mushy pasta, and nobody wants that!
Serving Suggestions
This creamy Cajun pasta pairs perfectly with a side of garlic bread or a fresh, crunchy salad. If you’re feeling extra indulgent, top it off with some grated Parmesan cheese or a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley to brighten up the dish. For an extra protein boost, throw in some Cajun chicken breast or grilled shrimp!
Fun Fact
Did you know that Cajun food is influenced by French, African, and Native American cuisines? This fusion of flavors creates the bold and smoky spice blends that make Cajun dishes so deliciously unique. The use of paprika and chilli flakes in this recipe brings a touch of that signature Cajun flavor!
Conclusion
This creamy Cajun pasta is one of those meals that’s perfect for a busy weeknight but fancy enough for a special occasion. The combination of creamy cheese, spicy Cajun seasoning, and pasta is a match made in heaven. Plus, it’s a breeze to make and customizable to fit your taste. So go ahead, make this easy, delicious dish, and let the flavors take you on a delightful journey! Enjoy!
